Nikon D90 v. Canon 50D: Has anyone done an extensive comparison between the Nikon D90 and the Canon 50D?
24386
You can read my text review of D90 here: http://prashchopra.blogspot.com/2009/01/nikon-d90-review-video-and-text.html . I returned a week old Nikon D90 to get a Canon 50d. The reason was simple: D90 boasts many advanced features, but it lacked some basic tools needed for good imaging, e.g. the live view is a gimmick, it doesnt let you see exposure simulation AND the live view image at large zooms is extrapolated from smaller images, hard to get accurate focus assessment. Hope that review helps. Edit to add (1/28/09): I have since owned and reviewed a Canon 50d camera (http://prashchopra.blogspot.com/2009/01/canon-50d-vs-nikon-d90-review.html). Remember: I am not a professional photographer. But I work in the field of imaging, and thus have a little practical sense of the end result quality. Despite the higher speed and better live-view and the lens autofocus micro0adjustment feature and the 3 extra mega pixels, the 50d failed to match with teh D90 I owned before it in terms if end result quality (ignoring any post processing.. somparing just out of the camera RAW results). I found the 50d to be more noisy as compared to the D90. I found myself going back to the D9 results to compare the 50d images more than often. My copy of 50d also gave me mount problems aith a brand new lens... I have since returned it and am very very happy with a D90. I have tried three cameras then... and my personal winner is Nikon D90 now... its low light and high ISO performance is unbeatable in its category I think. No matter what lab tests say, D90 produced much cleaner images for the same shot settings than the Canon 50d. Good luck!
2221757
I have a D50 and it works just fine, I was concerned about the quality before I purchased it, but it takes wonderful, crisp, clear pictures.
471075
I haven't tried it with the D90, but I think you will not have any problems as to compatibility.
1034525
Yep! I had this for my D40 and the D50 is essentially the same body. Terrific lens, btw.
1848183
Hi, I have the exact same lens and camera (purchased recently as an upgrade from d90), I will let you know when I do some test shots! I hope they work well together, because it is one of my fav lens. =]
709663
Well, there really isn't a BIG difference. I prefer the 35mm for the wider field of view. It's also less expensive than the 50mm. With the cropped sensor on your D3000 the 35mm will perform a lot like the 50mm would on a full frame camera. Speaking of which, if you plan to move to a full frame camera the 35mm likely wont be going with you as it's a DX only lens. The 50mm is a DX/FX lens so you can keep using it on full frame cameras.I think in general for your camera a 35mm would serve you better, but you wouldn't go wrong with the 50mm either. Try a rental shop or borrowlenses.com. Grab both lenses for a weekend trip and see which you use more. Shouldn't cost much for a three day rental. Well, there really isn't a BIG difference. I prefer the 35mm for the wider field of view. It's also less expensive than the 50mm. With the cropped sensor on your D3000 the 35mm will perform a lot like the 50mm would on a full frame camera. Speaking of which, if you plan to move to a full frame camera the 35mm likely wont be going with you as it's a DX only lens. The 50mm is a DX/FX lens so you can keep using it on full frame cameras.I think in general for your camera a 35mm would serve you better, but you wouldn't go wrong with the 50mm either. Try a rental shop or... » Read More Well, there really isn't a BIG difference. I prefer the 35mm for the wider field of view. It's also less expensive than the 50mm. With the cropped sensor on your D3000 the 35mm will perform a lot like the 50mm would on a full frame camera. Speaking of which, if you plan to move to a full frame camera the 35mm likely wont be going with you as it's a DX only lens. The 50mm is a DX/FX lens so you can keep using it on full frame cameras.I think in general for your camera a 35mm would serve you better, but you wouldn't go wrong with the 50mm either. Try a rental shop or borrowlenses.com. Grab both lenses for a weekend trip and see which you use more. Shouldn't cost much for a three day rental. « Show Less
940340
I cannot offer a nikon/canon comparison however I upgraded from a S90 to the S120 and am VERY VERY impressed. Amazingly fast user interface, bright rear screen and long battery life are some of the high points. Low light performance is AMAZING compared to my S90. The difference is almost like the change from T2I to 6D full frame in my canon SLR! The bad? Still no RAW converters out there, not even DXO though they report one coming later this month.
1342082
All my gear is Canon & the only Nikon I have is an AW100 that is great for carry around, underwater, etc. shots! It takes great pictures but I have always had Canon & can't start over with Nikon although I actually think that it is just as good if not better. Sorry I couldn't help any more than this. I did read some reviews on Adorama & B&H;'s website & most said that it worked on their D90 so if you feel lucky about what others have said, I would get it! I have this for my Ultra Wide Angle on my Canon & I love it!
795072
I have the same 'over exposure' issue with my D90....didn't have that issue with my older D50. Not sure if Nikon has made some adjustments in the newer models. If shooting in bright sun light I have to remember to set the compensation to -7. On a recent trip to Red Rock Canyon, near Las Vegas I forgot to set and had quite a few shots that were completely over blown.
1468303
I have both the Kodak Z915 and the Z950 cameras and they each have advantages and disadvantages. The 950 has a slightly better lens (only slightly) and more Megapixels. Having more MP is both good and bad- higher resolution in good light but more "noise" in lower light, plus somewhat longer download time to the card. I like the versatility of the 915 for power- I can use rechargable NiMH batteries or Lithium (NOT Lithium-ION). The Z915 does not have HD video, but the VGA video is just fine. The Z950 has a pointless illuminated "HD" logo on the top which is very dorky and takes away from the cameras otherwise pro-like look. Comparing price to performance, you get much more bang for your buck with the Z915. I have both the Kodak Z915 and the Z950 cameras and they each have advantages and disadvantages. The 950 has a slightly better lens (only slightly) and more Megapixels. Having more MP is both good and bad- higher resolution in good light but more "noise" in lower light, plus somewhat longer download time to the card. I like the versatility of the 915 for power- I can use rechargable NiMH batteries or Lithium (NOT Lithium-ION). The Z915 does not have HD video, but the VGA video is just fine. The Z950 has a pointless illuminated "HD" logo on the top which is very dorky and... » Read More I have both the Kodak Z915 and the Z950 cameras and they each have advantages and disadvantages. The 950 has a slightly better lens (only slightly) and more Megapixels. Having more MP is both good and bad- higher resolution in good light but more "noise" in lower light, plus somewhat longer download time to the card. I like the versatility of the 915 for power- I can use rechargable NiMH batteries or Lithium (NOT Lithium-ION). The Z915 does not have HD video, but the VGA video is just fine. The Z950 has a pointless illuminated "HD" logo on the top which is very dorky and takes away from the cameras otherwise pro-like look. Comparing price to performance, you get much more bang for your buck with the Z915. « Show Less
398737
I'm also thinking about those cameras and I don't know which one to get. I was leaning towards the Nikon d90 because of the HD video but I don't know.
203328
I believe the lens mounts are the same. However my experience with a canon 50d is that the resulting images are soft focus with the hexagon lens. shooting wide open the images are unusable (50mm f1.78). Need to stop down at least 3 f/stops to get acceptable images.
1008023
In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on... » Read More In my humble opinion, I think Canon is still the Queen of point and shoot while Nikon is the King of SLR. There are some cheapish Nikons good for entry level, but the D90 is worth the extra money and is cutting edge for what it offers (HD video, etc.) but you may want to look at spending even a little more for a better lens instead of the one that comes with the kit. Yes, indeed, if you are a beginner it can be intimidating, but they all have full auto functions. And just a bit of reading and experimenting can teach you the basics of f-stop (aperture), ASA, shutter speed, and you can go on from there. « Show Less
909215
If you don't mind the expensive motorized lenses, the D60 and D40 are light and handy. Avoid the D70, lots of error codes, the CF card is unreliable and it's 6mp. Get the D50, best value for the buck and you should get one for $250 or so. Best is the D90 but it's 3x the price.
1946226
Thank you all so much for your input! I think I'll go with the D90 just so that I can save money for one or two lens
2204729
The Canon SX10IS is much better than the Nikon P90, despite having a shorter zoom and less Megapixels. Image quality and responsiveness is what you should be looking for, and the P90 does not have either of them.I would look also at the Panasonic FZ28, specially if you prize weight - this is the choice I made, after testing Nikon, Canon, Panny and Olympus.
1848273
50D is more technologically advanced but 5D produces better looking files imho.